Quartzite Countertops Compare to Granite: What’s the Difference?

Determining which material, granite or quartzite, is best suitable for your project comes down preference and simply understanding what each material has to offer. We’ve posted a lot about the inherent benefits of using granite for your countertops. You’ll get heat, moisture and stain resistance. You’ll get a great centerpiece for your living room and you’ll get all the benefits of a strong, durable, naturally occurring material. But what about quartzite slabs? Do they offer similar resistances? We felt that it was beneficial to you as a customer that we explain the differences, so you can better make a decision on what’s right for your project.

Quartzite and Quartz: NOT THE SAME!

Before we get into the differences between quartzite countertops and granite ones, we should mention that quartzite and quartz are not the same thing. Right off the bat, you need to know that quartz is a man-made product while quartzite is naturally occurring. There are two other big differentiating factors as well. Firstly, since quartz is man-made and manufactured using a plastic based resin, a quartz counter is more prone to heat damage starting around 300 degrees Fahrenheit; not ideal for kitchen functionality. Secondly, quartzite countertops are incredible dense and are known to be even harder than granite, giving you better durability than a man made material.

Quartzite vs Granite

Now that we’ve clarified that quartz and quartzite are different materials, take in this information so you can decide if you want to use granite or quartzite countertops for your project.

How it’s made: While granite is formed through the processes of magma cooling and solidifying, quartzite is a form of sandstone that is formed from heat and pressure under the earth’s crust.

Resistance: Both are highly resistant to heat, scratching, staining and chemical etching.

Maintenance: Both materials require annual sealants for protection and to preserve their look.

Color variations: Granite can come in literally THOUSANDS of different color variations and patterns due to the natural processes by which it’s made.

As a quick recap:

Both are naturally made materials.

Both are resistant to heat, moisture, scratches and etching.

Both are easy to maintain.

But the big separating factor is in what you like. Whichever material you prefer, granite or quartzite, you’ll find the right piece for your project. We can dive more in depth into this subject, but for your benefit you can download our free ebook on the sidebar for more information!